Monday, April 30, 2007

Words: For inspire me Thursday's theme this week we are to choose some words and be inspired by them. I chose to do a bit of a different twist on this and created around the meaning of all words in my life. I tended to be more of a writer in the last few years and only within the past year have been trying to merge into the visual arts while still using words, usually my own, within my art.The collage is blue paper with handwriting applied to 81/2 x 11 card stock and then stamped with ink. The larger words and image are done digitally and then printed onto the card stock. The buttons - chosen to add some whimsy.

Saturday, April 28, 2007

More creations: I've done more ATCs but had some difficulty because I was using the wrong kind of ink - kept smudging, seemed every time I breathed on it. I must invest in a new black ink pad. I was overjoyed when I happened across the stamp with the insulin on it. Perfect for the ATC which said joy. If you don't know what I'm talking about check "orange".

The journal page was done for a challenge which can be found here. I was fortunate to have the background prepared so didn't take much to do it up. The words will also be recognizable to some of you.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Journal Pages and "Woman" for Artwords:The second page of the journal pages refers to Pauline. You can find her blog here. I also posted about treasures that I received from her at this post."Woman" is the theme for the 50th week of artwords. I have chosen this stamped image photo of Greg's Auntie Dot, a wonderful lady. There is also some old german writingwhich I turned into a stamped image. I especially like the idea of "soft yet strong" for woman. I think this portrays much in only a few simple words. Some of the words I've chosen are not quite as universal - such as "exotic" but "beautiful" fits the majority - beautiful inside and out. If you think you are not beautiful - I would ask you to think again. Ithink you are beautiful. And there are probably many others who think so too, even though they neglect to tell you.Collage on watercolour - acrylic background. Letters for "woman" are from the very creative "Artsyfran"

Presents and WIPs: I have much to post about today so will probably need to do more than one post. This one is about presents I received in the mail in the past few days. The first present was from Mary Ann who is so kind with her giveaways every other week. I was so excited to be chosen to receive this book titled "Designing with Fabric". It is an absolute treasure trove. I can hardly wait to dig into it. At first glance I noticed a reverse stamping technique. I did not have any bleach here otherwise but decided to try some liquid dishwasher soap which I had purchased a couple of years ago for stamping on jeans. I thought if it worked on denim - why not other fabric. I did some stamping on a piece of this sheet which wasn't quite right for what I had purchased it. I want to turn it into a journal quilt sometime. I'm not certain what I'll do with it yet but hopefully I will come back to it.The next day I received a wonderful paper doll from Emily. I so admired the paper dolls of Emily which I had viewed on flickr. They are fabulous. I am inspired once again to try something that I thought I never would. Hmmmm - that list of things to try keeps getting longer and longer. We'll see.Then yesterday there was another parcel card. Because we have to pick up our mail at the post office we need to be there before 5 on a week day. I got the package at lunchtime today when Greg walked in the door. I'd kind of started to worry about my "cuppa tea" swap package. Sometimes our mail is SOOOO SLOOOOW. But after I opened the package I had to put on my "be inspired - not intimidated" hat. There were many gorgous pieces in the package from Regina. I admire anyone who can do paintings. And today I received this wonderful card, together with the fabulous case, some stamped cards, vintage postcards, buttons, and these whimsical angel earrings.Huge thank yous to Mary Ann, Emily, and Regina. This emotional artist has, well, I think you get the picture. I'll get some tissues now to dry my face.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Layers for Thursday photo day at CaC: The first thing that came to mind when I saw, actually late last night, the theme for today, was onions. Lorna Crozier's poem called Onions actually came to mind. More so, however, I was self absorbed yet and thinking about how I was told that as I tried to go through therapies and get past my anxiety, bad stress, that it would almost be like peeling away layers of an onion. Hmmm. I'm not certain how I feel about that anology. Perhaps I'm afraid that some important layers might be peeled away in the process. OK Wendy - just breathe and let it happen. I will get past those fears.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Recycle, reuse: Greg and I have been into recycling and reusing for a long time. Besides the typical transporting of newsprint, bottles, cardboard, glass jars and milk cartons to the recycle depot we reuse plastic bags typically and sometimes use cloth bags for groceries. I once was called the "bag lady" in quite an appreciative manner because I typically brought my own bag along to the drugstore/gift shop.For my creations of collage I've included most items in the collage in the previous post. There are many other offshoots for my art with which I reuse materials. Greg has brought numerous items from his work place which were intended for the trash heap. I often print my writing on recycled paper. For a time my friends at writer's group were quite wanting of the linen paper I was using that Greg brought. It had hardly anything on but was not quite right for the work place. The binder on the chair is only one of many that came from the same location. I store magazines in this orange one. Another has prints of art that I've needed to save for eye candy inspiration. The item in the forefront on the chair is a plastic holder which had contained large photos of people at work from the work site. I have three.They are a good size to set my art on while I'm gluing, painting, and drying creations. They are also convenient for carrying items to and from "my space" downstairs.Every chair and the couch in our living room came from the home in which I grew up. The chair in the photo is often used in photo shoots. The wool shawl came from the second hand store in town to which we frequently take items we no longer need. Occasionally I find treasures there for our house and for my artwork. The old cupboard came from an auction sale. It is our stand for our media centre. It appears in photos even more frequently.All I can think of at this late hour.Belated happy earth day.

Eco Art: This is the theme for Inspire Me Thursday this week. I reuse many materials for collages and hope to get into altered books much more. I've only just tippy-toed into the area so far. For "Give me wings" I started with a piece of cardboard from a cereal box. I applied acrylic paint dots which I spread about with an old credit card. For the final images I used pictures and words from old books. the stamp is scanned from an old document in my family's possession. The wings were from an older photograph I'd taken years back and scanned. I then did adjusting on the corel photo program I have which is recycled from another location also. The faces are scanned images from old photos of my mother. If you know what I look like you will feel quite certain you are looking at me - not the case. In the larger happy face my mother is actually expectant with me. I love that glow. It perfectly suits the message."Give me wings that I might fly".

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Decisions, choices; holding on, letting go.Apparently I have a difficulty with holding on to things (in my mind and body), not being able to let go. Now I have time and the opportunity to let go of some commitments for a time. I have time to be playful and creative. But this problem of letting go - I'm wanting to get past it but I'm having difficulty. And so I feel uncertain - if my art is any good. If it is worthwhile to try to keep creating. If I could ever really sell any of my art. Sigh. I must reassure myself that this all takes time. I have not given up on myself. I am able to appreciate some of what I create, most of what I create. I need to get outdoors more. I need to try to take more time to read - that simplistic Nora Roberts novel (ummm, please don't tell her I said so). I am reading her though I typically appreciate more deep thinking. I need to keep reminding myself gently that other people's health problems are not for me to be worried about. I can pray for these same people. I can ask for forgiveness, from God, for judging steps taken by others in dealing with their health. I can try to get past being so critical of others, mostly in my own mind. I can try to laugh more, play more. Enough. I'll get past it. Maybe one of these days I'll take time to write about it. In the meantime I will try to allow myself to play, experiment. I choose also to try to not agonize if some pieces do not turn out that great. Must keep reminding myself I am human and will just keep trying.This ATC I will consider to be another learning piece. The stamp seems too intricate for the elaborate background. I accidentally put the first brad too close to the letters. Oh well. I'll keep in mind the thought and keep the ATC handy so I don't forget some of these things.I'm more pleased with this background (8 1/2 x 11) I'm working with for another piece. But sometimes I feel like leaving it as a background because I love it so. I don't want to cover it all up. Tomorrow - I'll hopefully have it complete. I can always make more backgrounds.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Patience:

"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea."

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Patience can be hard to find. I must try to hold it close to me as I try to get past the discomfort of the past difficult week and weeks. There is not much to be said. there is not one thing specifically. I only want to now get beyond it. I will finally have some time to play with that thought.

And now I request your patience as I attempt over the next days to catch up with all of you. I also have ideas and plans for the themes of wrath, recycle, woman, and for my journal quilt for April.

For now I will leave you with this lone image from my pretend "cuppa tea party". I was thinking of all the guests, but never did have time to actually sit down for a cuppa.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

"Believe in yourself": These ATCs are ready to be sent in the mail today together with other treasures. The envelope shows how I begin to decorate envelopes when I have time. A bit of paint and a bit of ink can make a world of difference.Angels be with you.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Tears:"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than 10,000 tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love. "

Washington Irving

This is a quotation from Inspire me Thursday for this theme of tears. It was actually the theme for last week. I was having difficulty posting last night.

I've not actually been crying very much in the past weeks, months. When I stop to think about it the feeling is like having lost a very good friend. I am tending to keep things bottled up inside instead of letting the tears wash them away. Sigh. Hopefully that can change for me soon.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Doodles and words: Today was a long day with driving and meetings. I did have lots of time for writing on paper for collage or doodling over and I also started on some doodles. Once again I was inspired by the art of Jude. Her doodles, as all things, inspire me to keep creating and trying new things.This piece was done entirely while driving. the roads were a bit rough and I didn't get the lines very good at some places. I'll play with it more another day.

This doodle was started while sitting at the meeting. I am often uncertain what to do for the doodles. It is not something that comes naturally to me. Maybe as I experiment with it more I will feel more comfortable with it.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Simple creativity, fun creativity: Last night I did a couple of these backgrounds using atechnique I learned from Helene. I got a little heavy handed with the paint and salt but had fun anyway.

I then printed a couple of images on this one for the start of a collage. I'm not certain what I'll do with it next. I need time to think about it.

On Saturday I dyed a paper and some shipping tags with left over blue dye from Easter which is made with purple cabbage. I love the colour of that dye. I'm hoping to determine if I can use the same dye on fabric. The turmeric also makes a beautiful yellow.

For the next week I anticipate very little time for play and blogging. I have many meetings. Tonight is dress rehearsal for the 40th anniversary concerts of St. Pete's chorus. We have our away concert on Friday night and our "at home "concert on Sunday afternoon. We also do a couple of songs at another concert on Saturday night. Our local concert is actually at Muenster Church, what used to be called St. Peter's cathedral. There has been restoration done to the beautiful paintings of Berthold Imhoff.

The initial director for the chorus has returned to the area and still sings with us. We will be singing some of the favourites from over the years. Chorus of the Hebrew slaves - from Nabucco is one of my favourites that I'm very happy we are performing. We sing it in English and don't sound quite as good as this group of which I've found the audio.As I'll be so busy and unavailable over the next few days I'll leave youwith this thought, done on the blue dyed paper.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Friday, April 13, 2007

Interesting ideas for those wanting to use art as business: I just came across Arts and Crafts cooperative this evening. I was also told about hyena cart a few weeks ago. They offer "a collection of unique shops offering a variety of earth-, child- and family-friendly items".Flickr has a number of etsy groups and vox also has some groups relating to etsy.

Forty + one - inchies. I completed them last night. Greg actually helped with the info on the back. I signed. He put "windyangels" on for me.He actually did the mailing today too as I had to take "Cat" to Saskatoon for an appointment. We also viewed "night at the Museum" and for shopping I got a huge circle punch and we picked up a few beads and charms at the beadhive.Kind of proud of those inchies I'm feeling.

I almost forgot to mention that I've changed the layout of my flickr site. Let me know what you think.Angels be with you.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Presents and fabric: The first two photos are of the fabulous ATCs I received from Janet. I was very fortunate to have my name chosen for her giveaway with the "one world- one heArt" draw. Thanks Janet. I love them.The fabric is for my April journal quilt. I purchased it yesterday. The colour is yellow. The technique is fabric weaving. You can be certain I won't be doing a regular weave - too formal for my liking.Better get to those inchies. Yuck. I hate when I procrastinate so much. Would help if I were feeling better.Angels be with you.

1. question #255 - If you had to change your first name, what would you choose as your new name?

This is tough to answer. I love the name Jennifer but I have so many friends with that name I couldn’t. I wouldn’t feel unique then. My parents were going to call me Karen instead of Wendy. Some people have actually called me Karen when they are talking to me. I also love our daughter’s name. I guess that’s why she has it. Some people have actually called me by her name too. She has very strong spirit and is so charismatic that people often feel her presence so closely when in my company, it just happens. I don’t mind. I feel honoured. I have felt so very much a part of her too, even though she’s adopted.

For the sake of expediency I’ll say Bryn. I started writing a story about Bryn and her twin sister at Christmas time. She is a young soul trying to find her mother angel and in the process will also find her own angel spirit.

"To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. To weep is to risk being called sentimental. To reach out to another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk showing your true self. To place your ideas and your dreams before them is to risk being called naive. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk despair, and to try is to risk failure.But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing and becomes nothing. He [or she] may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave, he's forfeited his freedom. Only the person who risks is truly free."Dr. Leo Buscaglia

3. question #49 - If you could buy any rare collection in the world, which would you choose? Why?

If I could buy any rare collection in the world I would buy a rain forest anywhere in the world where there are endangered species, some as yet unidentified. I’d share it with the world, yet take every step possible to protect every single being within its boundaries.

4. question #1 - If you could fly in a hot-air balloon over any city in the world, what city would you choose? Why that city? Have you visited there before?

I would choose Nairobi, Kenya. I would choose it because it is so close to Tanzania where so many wonderful creatures live. Yes, I’ve been to Nairobi. We were visiting some wonderful friends that were working as missionary teachers in a community outside of Nairobi. We visited their home and community. It was an adventure. We went on two safaris, which I loved. Some of the people in our group did a hot air balloon trip. If I recall it was the cost that was prohibitive for us. Some day…

And actually those same friends are celebrating their “100th” birthday on Saturday. They live only a few kilometers from us now. (They both turn 50 this year, as do Greg and I)

5. question #221 - What is an item you own that has a minimal monetary value but has such sentimental value that you would not sell it for $5,000?

Another tough question as I’m not really into material things. I guess I could say my Bible. I’ve had it for many years. There are places that are underlined, many that are marked. The cover is coming loose. I don’t really stop to think about it often but it means a great deal to me.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

SPRING: To me spring is lots about new life. It's about waiting for green - a colour I love. It's about rebirth. Pussy willows represent all of these things. It will be a few weeks probably until the trees actually have green leaves but as we drive creekside I can imagine, or maybe really see, a shimmering of green by those trees. Regardless of how many more times it will snow in the next days, how many more hours before the water runs in the creek (it's there but frozen right now), I know the green will return. These pussy willows are the promise for that.

"OLD" - I sometimes wonder what an object would say if it could speak. This chair was being stored for many years in the old, rough basement of the farm on which I grew up. It was apparently the only surviving piece of the house in which my father and his siblings matured. The house burnt down when my father was still a child. Now this chair has a place in our living room. It is in rough shape but I like to leave "old" in its comfort. "Chair" for artwords.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Doodling: Here are some doodles and words with which I've been playing on and off through the past days. I've signed up for a swap that Chrysti is doing so thought I'd play a bit in preparation. I may do borders on these yet or add more.Angels be with you.

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Happy EasterThis is a vintage bowl at the farm that I use every year for placing our easter eggs in. Unforunately there is a crack in the bowl at the top. I still love the bowl. It is perfect for the eggs.For many years I have been using natural dyes. The blues are done with purple cabbage, the yellow is turmeric and the orange is of course onion skins. I used wax crayon to put designs on some of the eggs this year. I love using natural dyes.More eggs photos at my flickrWishing you a very blessed Easter.Angels be with you.

Friday, April 6, 2007

Living Room Found: These pictures are as much about our living room as they are about Easter bunnies. It almost feels like our house has been renovated though it really has not. Greg asked about before and after pictures. Sorry, I'd have been too embarrased. For almost a year our living room has been my studio. With doing mixed media and being into so much experimentation of art I have acquired many supplies. The living room has been my main space. Now that I have the play space downstairs I've reclaimed the living room. YES! It feels wonderful.

If you have the need to organize I say go for it. It is really hard work when you want to play, but in the end IT'S WORTH IT.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Card with inchies and stamp image: I believe that's what the image is called anyway. I changed a black and white scanned picture to the image you see on the card. I just did it on word and then transferred it to the photo paint program I use to change to jpg image. It was quite simple actually. I love how it turned out and will be playing with more of these images.The inchies are the ones I'd started a time back. I trimmed with fabulous gelly roll gold pens from Sakura which I'd received from artsy Fran when I was so fortunate to be chosen for the give-away she did. I especially love these "gold shadow" gelly rolls. I also did some trimming on the card. I added some text to the inchies from an old book I have. I really like doing the inchies. I have to get cracking on the ones for the swap I signed for at clothpaperstudio yahoo group. I haven't forgotten, just a little caught up in life lately. Thank goodness I have the creative vent to help me through the life challenges.Angels be with you.

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

March Journal Quilt: Once again I am late in completing my monthly journal quilt for the cloth paper scissors (CPS) journal quilts group to which I belong. But I did complete it. Click on the pictures to get a better view of the actual journal quilt and the typed words that go with it.

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"To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. To weep is to risk being called sentimental. To reach out to another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk showing your true self. To place your ideas and your dreams before them is to risk being called naive. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk despair, and to try is to risk failure.But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing and becomes nothing. He [or she] may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave, he's forfeited his freedom. Only the person who risks is truly free."